Lots of pain .. Not sure else to do

[loulouf79]

I would be so grateful for any suggestions.

I am EBF my 8 week DS. He was born at 34 weeks. Whilst on neonatal unit, a breastfeeding nurse advised me to use nipple shields as DS was having difficulties latching on.

Everything was going well... Really good weight gain etc. I was seen by health visitor few wks again who advised me to wean off the nipple sheilds as can cause problems at a later stage.

We did a few successful feeds without. Anyway, last weekend I suddenly had lots of soreness to both nipples. The outside on both of them is cracked. The base of nipples really really sore and areola on both sides also tender. So painful to latch on now, even with nipple shields. I guess the skin feels chapped. Looks slightly pink, but nothing much to see at all really.

So last week, I went up two breastfeeding clinics. They suggested I hold my hands in different position ( I was holding head to far forward). Observed me feeding DS. I have been using lanolin cream/. I went to see the GP on Friday, as cracks and pain still no better. I was worried might be thrush. He have me some cream to try.

DS has no thrush in mouth and no tongue tie (checked my 3 plp)

Any ideas what I can go? I'm dreading every feed now.

Thank you

You poor thing. Are you taking any pain killers? Have you spoken to a BFC today? The being helplines are usually very good, especially if you are in pain.

Have a read of this on healing nipples too.

Hth

Thank you for the link. I could try using the saline solution

I spoke to BFC on Friday, she said to check nipple shields correct size. Suggested a different position - holding DS In an upright position without nipple shields as easier to ensure correct latch. I have tried a few times but easier said than done! DS not keen. Latched on well once but very painful

I could try phoning BFC again today to see if any other suggestions.

I had this so gave some bottles. I am glad I did as in latter years myself and my dc keep showing in blood tests as being low in vitamin d.

Poor you, it's horrible isn't it. When I had really bad nipple pain with DS, I found that painkillers did help, and also leaving breasts bare to the air as much as possible. Meant walking around half naked but it did help!

Sounds like yiu may need to check your HVs advice with a BFC in future. Hope you find something that helps.

What shape is your nipple after baby has been feeding? Nice and round and elongated or mushed and flat on one side? I had similar problems to you, and only discovered DS had a posterior tongue tie and upper lip tie when he was 9 weeks - I had also had it checked by numerous professionals who said it wasn't tongue tie (posterior TT is hard to diagnose). We had it snipped and then lasered due to re growth at around 13weeks. Since then his latch on one side is perfect (had to relearn), the other side was so badly traumatised (I now have a triangular nipple!) he won't latch on at all. Luckily he was satisfied by one side, I express and donate the other boob-full!

Perhaps try using nipple shells so that your clothes/bra aren't rubbing and making it worse?

Your GP can also do a nipple swab to see if there is an infection - better to do this than blindly treat for thrush - and if ut is thrush baby needs treated too.

I really feel for you; it's such a horrible pain, and mentally tough too.

Thanks for your replies.
HFR2014, how did you eventually get the posterior tongue tie diagnosed? I've been to get some nipple shells today and I've started taking paracetamol.

My nipples were previously squished after feeding... Like the end of A lipstick. But they seem lots better since I've adjusted my hold whilst feeding. I might go back to the breastfeeding clinic tomorrow to get everything checked again. I guess I was hoping for an improvement since last weekend.

I'm not sure how things will recover whilst BF. The BFC advised me not to express as if could make the cracks worse. Sometimes the nipples seem so hard in-between feeds, which also is painful!

I will persevere for a few more days. Fingers crossed.

Due to the pain and the lipstick nipple, it might be worth getting tongue tie ruled out. Have a read of this and see what you think

You might find this thread useful too.

One of the more experienced lactation consultants (I'm lucky, we have very good BF cafes here) diagnosed the TT- it was missed by the maxillofacial consultant, 2 midwives and 3 HV's.

It sounds to me like you might be dealing with TT - it's like reading my own story back. I too had horrendous pain and damage, which improved a litte with positioning but wasn't fully right. We eventually travelled 2 hours to Huddersfield to see a chap in cote royd dental practice who is a world leading expert on TT.
Let us know how you get on.